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What legal steps can I take if my landlord is not fulfilling their obligations under the lease agreement in Illinois?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

If your landlord is not fulfilling their obligations under the lease agreement in Illinois, there are several legal steps you can take to address the situation.

  1. Review the Lease Agreement: The first step you should take is to review your lease agreement. Ensure that your landlord is in breach of any specified requirements in the lease agreement, such as maintenance responsibilities, rent payments, or any other obligation.
  2. Communicate with the Landlord: The next step is to communicate with your landlord and inform them of the issue. If your landlord is not fulfilling their obligations, then they need to be informed. It is recommended that you communicate with your landlord in writing, either through email or a certified letter, so that there is a record of the communication.
  3. Request Remedial Action: After informing your landlord of their breach, request that they take remedial action to fix the problem. If the landlord fails to take the remedial action within a reasonable timeframe or refuses to perform the remedy, you may seek legal remedy in court.
  4. File a Lawsuit: Under Illinois law, a tenant can file a lawsuit against the landlord for breach of the lease agreement. You may be able to seek damages, force the landlord to perform the required remedy, or terminate the lease agreement.
  5. Documentation: Documenting the situation is imperative to an effective lawsuit. You should keep a record of all your communications with your landlord, including any written communication or phone conversations, as proof of your attempts to resolve the situation before going to court.

It is essential to note that the legal steps will vary based on the breach of the lease agreement and the specific terms in the lease. In addition, some lease agreements include mandatory arbitration clauses that require the parties involved to resolve disputes through the arbitration process instead of through the court system. It is also essential to consult an attorney before filing a lawsuit or taking any legal action.